The Story behind the IOWA® Model Y34 Hydrant

While we know that plenty of people own an IOWA® Model Y34 Hydrant as it is our most popular yard hydrant, we are not sure how many people know the story behind it.  The Woodford Manufacturing Company celebrated 75 years in business in 2004 and they will certainly be around in another twelve years to celebrate their 100^th birthday!   

The story begins in 1929 when J.C. Woodford bought a company and the manufacturing rights to the IOWA® (Y34) Yard Hydrant and opened a sole proprietorship to start the Woodford Hydrant Co.  In 1946 the company adopted its current name.   

Nearly a decade later the company started producing commercial wall hydrants, and in 1963, manufactured the first residential faucets.  The founder, J.C. Woodford held more than 60 patents at the time of his death in 1979, of which many dealt with the design and manufacturing of the company’s faucets and hydrants.  However the company did not stop there, as today Woodford Manufacturing holds patents on more than 200 inventions and many are incorporated into our products.     

So while the IOWA® Model Y34 may be decades old, we have made several improvements to the model throughout the years.  The sturdy hydrant allows for an immediate water flow even in sub-zero temperatures and features variable-flow, long-life packing, a rod guide that eliminates side pull on the rod and a 3/4" inlet and 1″ galvanized steel pipe.   In addition even though the model has been updated and improved, all parts for the Y34 are interchangeable so you can repair your Woodford hydrant regardless of how old it is.   Additionally for ease of maintenance, all repairs are made from the head of the unit so you will not need to remove the hydrant from the ground.   

Please visit Eagle Mountain’s website to learn more about the durable Y34 and our other hydrants and outdoor faucets.   We also offer video assistance with repairs and installations as well as all the parts you need to do the job. 

Eagle Mountain Products is proud to be the authorized online retailer of the Woodford Manufacturing Company.  In addition to our products, we offer customers a full service website loaded with information and instructional videos on how to repair or replace an outdoor faucet or yard hydrant.  You can purchase with confidence any one of our exceptional products from Woodford Manufacturing Company and Watco Manufacturing Company.